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In:Risk Discourse and Responsibility
Edited by Annelie Ädel and Jan-Ola Östman
[Pragmatics & Beyond New Series 336] 2023
► pp. 232–243

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Chapter 10
On security and safety

Governing terrorism and security through risk

ORCiD logo with link | University of Stavanger, Norway
Published online: 24 July 2023
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/pbns.336.10jor
Abstract
Although the concepts of safety and security are often treated as synonymous, they are increasingly used to distinguish between separate fields of handling risks: terrorism and other intentional crimes is associated to security, while safety implies protection from unintentional acts. This chapter investigates how safety and security, which used to be considered two different phenomena with different origins and meanings, have now become intertwined through the concept of risk, not only affecting counterterrorism responsibility but also legitimizing counterterrorism measures that would not have been accepted previously. Thorough the concept of risk, terrorism has become not just a threat but a manageable phenomenon that can be identified, predicted, and handled. By intertwining the discourses of safety and security, terrorism becomes linked to the responsibility of organizations and to the management of risk.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.The origins of safety
  • 3.The origins of security
  • 4.The implications of 9/11 on security
  • 5.Security becomes an antonym of safety
  • 6.Safety and security as a dichotomy
  • 7.Conclusions
  • References
References (42)
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Cited by (3)

Cited by three other publications

Jore, Sissel Haugdal, Kristine Vedal Størkersen, Torgeir Kolstø Haavik & Petter G. Almklov
2025. What constitutes safety? A qualitative interview study of what the work of Norwegian security guards really is about. Safety Science 191 ► pp. 106954 ff. DOI logo
Hansen, Susanne Therese & Stian Antonsen
2024. Taking connectedness seriously. A research agenda for holistic safety and security risk governance. Safety Science 173 ► pp. 106436 ff. DOI logo
Haugdal Jore, Sissel & Stian Lid
2024. Securing Cities in the Global War on Terrorism: The Case of Oslo. In Global War on Terrorism - Revisited, DOI logo

This list is based on CrossRef data as of 29 november 2025. Please note that it may not be complete. Sources presented here have been supplied by the respective publishers. Any errors therein should be reported to them.

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